Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma

Name: Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma
ISBN: 9781534408944

For children grappling with first-day-of-school nerves, this story helps personify big feelings, offering comfort and strategies to find courage for new adventures.

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About This Book

A parent would reach for this book when their child is feeling anxious about starting school or facing a new situation. It gently externalizes big emotions, making them easier to manage. The story follows Lena, who is excited for kindergarten until her favorite shoes get a case of nerves. Her dad cleverly plays along, helping Lena talk through her fears by pretending they belong to the shoes. This book is a wonderful tool for children ages 4 to 7. It provides a creative, non-judgmental strategy for acknowledging and overcoming anxiety, modeling a supportive parent-child relationship where feelings are validated and courage is found together.

Anxiety & Worry Fear & Bravery Starting School First Day School Life Self-Confidence & Identity Family & Siblings Resilience & Perseverance

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Gently explores feelings of first-day-of-school anxiety and fear in a positive, resolvable way.

Sensitive Topics

The core topic is childhood anxiety. The approach is entirely metaphorical, with the shoes standing in for the child's own fears. This allows for a safe exploration of the emotion without the child having to claim it directly. The resolution is positive, hopeful, and empowering.